Vulnerable adult protection and elder abuse

Minnesota strives to ensure safe environments and services for vulnerable adults and encourages reporting of suspected maltreatment. A vulnerable person could be the last person you'd think. You could be the difference.

Suspect abuse?

The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center provides a toll-free number, 844-880-1574, the general public can call to report suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults. Mandated reporters-including law enforcement, educators, doctors, nurses, social workers and other licensed professionals-can use a web-based reporting system. Reports will be promptly submitted to the appropriate investigative agencies.

Report suspected maltreatment of a vulnerable adult to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center at 844-880-1574 which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Minnesota encourages good faith reporting of suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults by any person. If you make a report, your identity is confidential and cannot be released without a court order.

Reports are reviewed to see if immediate protective services are needed. Reports of an alleged crime are referred to law enforcement. All reports of suspected maltreatment are also referred to a lead investigative agency, which may be the county or the state departments of Health or Human Services.

Information contained in reports of suspected maltreatment of a vulnerable made to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center is confidential under Minnesota law. The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center cannot provide information about a report to anyone, including the reporter, once a report is completed. Once a report is referred to the lead investigative agency responsible, different parts of the law cover how information in the report can be shared, but the identity of the reporter remains protected. Contact the county or state agency responsible for the report for questions about a completed report.

Mandated reporters

Mandated reporters include law enforcement, educators, doctors, nurses, social workers and other licensed professionals.

Mandated reporters can use an online reporting tool. Instructions on how to use the tool will be provided through licensing agencies, boards and professional organizations.

Use of the mandated reporting form is self-explanatory and does not require training or experience. The form asks for information about the vulnerable adult, suspected maltreatment and alleged perpetrator.

When the completed form is submitted, mandated reporters will receive a report reference number for their records. Mandated reporters can download, save and print a copy of their report.

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Terminology disclaimer
The terminology used to describe people with disabilities has changed over time. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (“Department”) supports the use of “People First” language. Although outmoded and offensive terms might be found within documents on the Department’s website, the Department does not endorse these terms.